castlev

hey guys, i searched but couldn't find an answer. Sylvania lists 7528 and 5007 as compatible bulbs for the tail light. The glass bulb on the 5007 seems smaller than on the 7528, though the base is the same. Which one should i go with? Is one better than the other? less heat, more efficient, brightness, etc...
2005 c230k sport sedan
thanks

efzauner

its a lightbulb. replace it with the one that looks the same. Be happy, drive and enjoy. Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.

castlev

Informative. After reading through countless threads about how sensitive this car's computer is with bulbs, it seems like making a mountain out of a mole hill is necessary.

Moviela

Here are the facts of these two lamps. They are not the same. The 7528 comes in two flavors a regular that has a life span of 250/1500 hours. There is a 7528LL version from Osram/Sylvania that is rated 500/3000 hours. The dual hour rating is because it has two filaments. One is 21 watts (1.75 amps), the other is 5 watts (0.417 amps) The 21W is typically a stop lamp, only lit when the brakes are applied. It is the lesser hour rating. The 5W filament is typically a tail light. It is lit when the headlights are on. The base on this bulb is called BA15d. Bayonet style, 15mm diameter. There are two contacts on the bottom, hence d for dual. This bulb is made from a glass tube that is 1 inch in diameter.

The 5007 is a base BA15s or single contact. These lamps will not work in each others socket. This is a 5 watt (0.417 amp) lamp and is rated 200 hours. It is usually a tail or marker lamp. I don't think a LL version is available. This bulb is made from a glass tube that is 3/4 inch diameter.

I always replace lamps in pairs. This will keep the brightness the same, and save you the trouble of replacing the other soon after.

Your car uses both types. In a pinch, if you cannot find 7528, a 1034 will work, with similar specs.

castlev

this is perfect, thank you!

efzauner

dunno.. but I take my bulb out and bring it to my auto parts store. They match the number on the bulb. Easy.

jsbaker

That's a little different than your original very informative advice, just cause they look the same doesn't mean they are the same. Using the wrong bulb in any car can cause false errors. For example last week I kept getting a bulb out msg that was very random. I went and bought what the book in the store said the car uses, 7056 I believe. When i went to change it I found out the one in the car was not burned out. Some genius had put in 1156 bulbs I assume because they looked the same just as you suggested doing. Checked the other side and it had the correct bulbs. Had a similar issue a few years ago with a friends car. Bulbs were good but wouldn't work so he couldn't pass inspection. Bulbs looked like the correct ones but come to find out were not the correct ones. Put the correct bulbs and everything was good.

castlev

then what if the PO used an incorrect bulb? i would be replacing it with another incorrect bulb.